Input Stories

The Trump administration did not appeal a federal court ruling in support of a Rhode Island offshore wind project—a sign that congressional Democrats and the White House are both intent on passing permitting reform (E&E News).

The details: “Last week was the deadline for the Department of Justice to challenge a federal judge’s injunction blocking an Interior Department order meant to stop work on the Revolution Wind project because of national security concerns.”

• The administration’s decision to halt five offshore wind projects in December led to the breakdown in bipartisan permitting negotiations.
• The talks have since resumed, with expressions of optimism on both sides, following the Interior Department’s decision to review about 20 commercial solar projects.
• Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) threatened to halt the talks again if the administration continued challenging the Revolution Wind project.

Positive signs: Sen. Whitehouse cheered the news that the Revolution Wind project will go forward, saying in a statement, “Power from Revolution Wind will make our grid more reliable in the winter and reduce Rhode Islanders’ energy costs for years to come.”

• Meanwhile, “The White House has said its Energy Dominance Council [has] been more active in the permitting talks. Top Republicans like Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Environment and Public Works Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) have discussed with the president’s aides their desire to keep engaging with Democrats toward a deal,” according to E&E News.

NAM in action: The NAM has been one of the loudest voices in D.C. calling for permitting reform—before, during and after the freeze in these negotiations.

• Through its national “Building to Win” campaign for infrastructure and permitting reform, influential AI and energy dominance policy roadmap and annual NAM  State of Manufacturing Tour, along with other advocacy efforts, NAM has brought the need for permitting reform into clear focus for policymakers and the American public.

Stay tuned… for more NAM permitting news this week.